While re-assembling my driver's side lower control arm (LCA), I noticed that the little sqaure nut that is welded on to the top side of the LCA for the shock mount bolt to thread in to had come loose from its tack welds during the whole bushing hammering out/in process. Thankfully I had screwed the bolt back in (to keep from losing it) such that the nut is right there where it needs to be, but when I start bolting everything back up, there will be no way to keep it from spinning with the spring in the way.

So I am soliciting ideas on how to fix this. Obviously, I could track down someone to re-weld the nut in place and be on my way, but I'm wondering if there might be a simple aternative that I'm just not thinking of.

This is the epitome of a part that no one will ever see, so, I'd consider cleaning it up and putting JB weld around the base of the nut, since all that it needs to do is hold in place until I can tighten the bolt, then the tension will hold everything together, but I'm afraid that the next time that I go to replace the shocks, I'll have to do it all over again, so I'm hesitant to do something like that.

I'll probably just get it welded on properly (and get them to do the others while I'm there) just to have it done right once.

 

Just tack weld it. Takes one minute.

 

I probably will, it's just finding the time to get it done that adds another logistical issue in to an extremely busy life that had me thinking about alternatives.

 

Use some "U" nuts. You can get all diff sizes and reaches from auto parts store but I get them at a local hardware store.

 

What's a "U" nut? Thanks

 

Just a thought but if you dont have easy access to a welder. Would it be posible to drill a hole close enough to the spining nut to put in a bolt and nut and have the bolt head or the nut butt up against your untacted nut.

Bill in RI

 

Not a bad idea, I'd have to see how that might work. I'd like to avoid drilling unnecessary holes in things, but I doubt it would make a difference.

 

I have the same problem, every time I remove or install the shocks I just slip a spanner in between the spring coils and hold the nut in place while I tighten it up, its a little tricky but can be done. Once its in you wont be pulling it out for a few years so its no big deal.

 

Same problem and same resolution.

 

My welded-on nuts stripped when I was installing my Bilsteins - I just stuck a Type C lock nut on top of the square nut and held it with a spanner stuck through the coil. Easy fix, and they're never going to back out.